Category Archives: Kitchen Remodeling

Height Variations

Range hoods come in a very wide variety of options from standard range hoods found in smaller domestic kitchens to high capacity models. These high capacity models can fan odors from the kitchen with a far greater velocity and can therefore be installed somewhat higher than standard range models.  Range hoods that are high capacity are usually installed between two and two and a half feet above the stove top, while standard models are installed on average between 18 and 24 inches above the surface of the stove top.

From Floor Level

Sometimes contractors prefer to measure the height of the range hood they are installing from the floor rather than from the surface of the cooktop. In these instances, the bottom of the range hood usually measure five feet from the floor.

Capture Areas

The capture area of the range hood is just as important as the height of the range hood. The capture area is defined by the size of the stove underneath the range hood. So, for example, a 42 inch wide range hood should accomodate a stovetop that measures 36 inches from side to side.

Hood Insert Types

Hood insert types are for use in either wall mount or island range hood. Hood inserts are known as custom built-in ventilators, cabinet inserts and power packs. It contains speed, lights and blower controls – the functional ventilation unit inside the wood cabinet or other decorative housing.

Custom range hood enclosures feature a hood insert that can be crafted from from copper, brass, wood, stainless steel, or other material specified by the customer to match their kitchen décor. The mechanical blower providing ventilation is then positioned in the custom enclosure. A custom range hood insert is usually between 19″ and 60″ wide, to suit the ventilation requirements of your kitchen.

Inserts include an internal or external blower with a CFM (cubic feet of air moved per minute) vary from 200 to as much as 1600 CFM. With a customized insert, you have the flexibility to combine different specifications. Many manufacturers customize a ventilation kit for your range hood. Others offer a wide selection of range inserts to fit into any custom range hood enclosure.

Cabinet Inserts

Cabinet inserts offer many features. Some units have built-in heat sensors that turn up the ventilating power as the temperature on the cooktop or stove rises. You can order custom inserts with professional-quality baffle filters that remove even large amounts of grease and smoke from the air, removable troughs to trap liquefied grease or a charcoal recirculating kit. Most manufacturers offer custom range hood inserts with seamless stainless steel construction.

A metal sleeve is required for some range hood inserts, or liner to make the installation complete. that protectes the exterior base of a custom hood. This may contain a light panel and they often have a flexible design to make adjustments in the height to fit different sizes of range hoods.

Melting Pot Benefits

One huge advantage many people see as a benefit is a cooking range and of course an island range hood is the central location it occupies in the layout of the kitchen. This design lends itself to becoming the central hub for not just cooking but also socializing and entertainment and quickly becomes one of the most used rooms in the entire house. Nobody wants to have steam and fumes becoming an issue in the cooking area and an island range hood is just the ticket for ensuring you have correct levels of ventilation. Intimate times and meals with family and friends can be had if you install seating encircling the island range and island range hood. There is no question island range hoods make a very dramatic and beautiful statement in a kitchen and of course they are available in a wide range of materials, colors and sizes.

Space And Flexibility

Non-island range hoods are normally positioned along the exterior walls of a kitchen. One drawback of this it is allows very little room for more than one person to cook together. Having to compete for available counter space makes it a lot tougher to prepare, organize and cook in a single area. Another great boon of having an island cooking range and island range hood is the ability to have a walk-around as opposed to a linear cooking area that is more capacious and welcoming to the concept of team cooking. Island range hood installation gives you the benefits of being able to stew, simmer, cook and fry foods with the added bonus of having a lot more room to move about in.

Installation Errors

A disadvantage of island range hood installation is the prospect installers and contractors may not install the range hood correctly. For example,  ending a duct in an enclosed space, such as an attic, can lead to operational problems with the hood. The lack of back-pressure reduces the effectiveness of the hood, making it difficult to extract unwanted fumes and airborne grease residue. In addition, diverting warm moist air from the kitchen to the attic leads to mold growth. Another installation disadvantage is unreliable electrical connections; a hood with exposed wires must be hardwired as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Height Is Not Always Helpful

One potential drawback with the installation of an island range hood is the height it requires. if your kitchen is small with low ceilings, it may block the view of other rooms and even the other side of the kitchen! In normal circumstances, the island range hood is installed an verage of 28 inches above the stove top By attempting to increase visibility around the hood, the space may lack adequate ventilation. as air from cooking does not rise in a linear fashion it is vital to have the island range hood in close proximity to the stove top so gumes, smoke and steam can be efficently evacuated.

A range hood is an appliance that hangs above the stove, and provides additional light when you cook, and a fan so that the steam doesn’t blow into your face. Read on to learn the top ten reasons to get a range hood.

• On top of the safety and health benefits, the comfort and ease in cleaning and cooking, the reduction of grime and smells, range hoods also increase the value of your home. Updated kitchens add close to 80 percent of the expense to the value of a house. The nicer the range hood, the higher the attractiveness of the room, and ultimately, of the house. Additionally, by removing the airborne pollutants, the range hood keeps kitchen cabinets looking new longer, and prevents cooking smells from settling into the soft furnishings around the house, which also contributes to the overall “look and feel” of the house, as well as its attractiveness to potential buyers.
• The range hood is part of your kitchen design. Range hoods come in countless styles and custom designs, making it easy to find one that fits any kitchen. They can be blended into the existing layout of the kitchen, or created to stand out as the central showpiece. Gone are the days when the phrase “range hood” was a large, bulky metal box with a noisy fan. Today’s high-end kitchen hoods provide quiet performance while looking great.
• When cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of the kitchen, behind the stove, or above the cabinets, there is often a sticky film coated with dust. This is caused by the grease and excess moisture in the air from cooking without a range hood. By removing mositure and grease, range hoods cut down the time you spend cleaning. Some models even have timers, providing an additional fifteen minutes of ventilation after cooking to further prevent that greasy residue. As an added benefit, removing the moisture and grease helps to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
• The position of an overhead range hood provides the best lighting for cooking and you can choose what fits your needs best. Some high-end designer range hoods offer an array of lighting effects. If you’re looking to really make an impression, high-end range hood manufacturers offer some of the world’s most advanced range hoods that feature creative lighting effects, built-in LCD displays and other display qualities.
• How often do attention-getting recipes quickly become forgotten once it’s realized how messy and foul-smelling the actual cooking process will be? Range hoods give you more freedom to experiment with those restaurant-quality dishes you’ve been dying to try.
• Due to the smells, the stuffiness and steam, cooking can be a less than pleasurable experience. Range hoods significantly reduce those factors, so that cooking doesn’t have to be such an arduous task. Blasts of heat? Gone. Steam clouds? Sucked into the range hood instead of blowing in your face as wel las droplets of grease absorbed by the range hood’s filters.
• By acting as a filter, cleaning hazardous pollutants, range hoods offer protection to everyone in the household. Without a range hood, everyone in the kitchen and surrounding rooms would be subjected to throat, eye and nose irritation and potential CO poisoning. The range hood offers more safety benefits than almost any other appliance.
• There is a reason for the old adage, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” Cooking produces a lot of heat, as well as generating steam and smoke. Range hoods provide relief for the cook and protection to the kitchen by cooling off the area.
• Heating equipment and cooking appliances are the main source of carbon monoxide poisoning.Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms during short-term exposure, and difficulty breathing or even death with long-term exposure. It is required for homes to have carbon monoxide detectors in most states.
• The most important job of the range hood is to filter out and remove hazardous air pollutants that come from cooking. Smoke, grease, and steam caused by cooking remain in the kitchen, coating the walls and being inhaled by the chef.
  The operation of a typical range hood can be simply described in 3 steps:
  1. The blower (“fan” or “motor”) creates suction that draws the polluted air into the range hood.
  2. The metal grease filters (usually mesh cassettes, or “baffle” type filters on some models) capture the airborne grease particles.
  3. If the hood is installed with an outside duct (recommended), the polluted air is carried out of the house; if the hood is installed in “ductless” or “recirculating” mode, an additional charcoal filter absorbs the odors, and then the cleaned air is returned to the kitchen.

Unquestionably a range hood is an essential kitchen tool with its ability to vent odors, fumes and heat. But like every other home appliance, it will require regular maintenance. Read on to learn more so you can ensure your range hood works up to its full potential.

When The Fan Is Not Working

In this situation, it is likely to be one or maybe both of two common issues. Firstly, there may be an on-off switch that is broken or/and the fan motor may have burned out. Unless you have strong repair skills, it is best to hire a handyman to remedy these issues. if you want to investigate what part is malfunctioning, you can utilize an ohm meter and check the fan switch. If continuity is shown, the switch is not defective and the cause is more like to be the fan motor.

No Power To The Range Hood?

Range hoods are either wired directly into the mains supply of the house or plug into a wall. It is best to check if a fuse has not blown when the fan and light does not turn on.

The Light On The Range Hood Will Not Turn On

If the fan on the hood is working and the light does not come on, the first order of the day is to check the light bulb. In cases whee the buldb has bruned out, repalce it. if there is still an issue the culprit may be a light switch that has become defective or the light socket. This can often be purchased and is simple to install. but if the switch is defective, it may require the assistance of a good repairman.

Other Maintenance Suggestions

If the filter is not cleaned from all the greasy build up on the fan and filter, your range hood will not work at maximum efficency but it will also shortern the lifetime expectancy of the appliance – not to mention creating a potential fire hazard. Luckily, cleaning your range is easy and does not require a great deal of time.

• Check with the appliance manual and locate the filter underneath the hood and remove it, gently.
• On an aluminum filter, use hot water and soap to remove any grease. Allow the filter to air dry before replacing.
• Using hot, soapy water wipe the inside and the outside off of each blade.
• Once you are done put everything back in its place and reconnect the power to the range.

Canopy range hoods are originally based on the industrial style and build of range hoods found inside professional and commercial kitchens. It takes the form of a canopy over the cooking area, giving it not only an eye-catching impressive looking design, but also gives it a very simple, effective and efficient operation. Read on to learn more as a canopy range hood may be ideal for your home.

Size Issues

With a canopy range hood, your range hood should match the width of your cooktop. Then, measure the space above the cooktop. It is vital you measure and take a note of all the dimensions before making a purchase as you will want to ensure the canopy range hood will fit the space that is available.

Ducting

By the means of a metal duct via the wall or ceiling, a ducted range hood will direct the air from the kitchen. it is the best way to clear the air. But it may not always be possible unless the services of a building contractor are utilized who may knock a hole out in the roof or ceiling to install the ducting pipe.

Range Hoods That Recirculate

Impurities are filtered from the air recirculates range hoods so the now clean air back into the area of your kitchen by utilizing carbon fibers, but they need to be repalced occasionally. One advantage this style of range hood has is there is no need for the installation of a duct pipe through the wall or ceiling. The downside to this is the effectiveness of the range hood is somewhat reduced.

Extraction Rates

The ability a range hood has to draw in air is known as its extraction rate. Obviously models that vent greater amounts of air, will therefore have a higher extraction rate, increasing their effectiveness. This rate is measure using what is known as cubic meters per hour. The larger your kitchen, it is better to find a range hood with a higher rated extraction rate, so smoke and odors from cooking are best minimized from traveling through your home. If you enjoy cooking, a range hood with an extraction rate of around 700m3/h would be ideal.

Filtration

Ducted rangehoods will usually feature aluminium filters, which need to be cleaned regularly so look for a model with dishwasher-safe filters. Some range hoods will have a buuilt in filter indicatoe, showing when is the correct time to change the filter.

Melting Pot Benefits

One huge advantage many people see as a benefit is a cooking range and of course an island range hood is the central location it occupies in the layout of the kitchen. This design lends itself to becoming central for not just cooking but also socializing and entertainment and quickly becomes one of the most used rooms in the entire house. Nobody wants to have steam and fumes becoming an issue in the cooking area and an island range hood is just the ticket for ensuring you have correct levels of ventilation. Intimate times and meals with family and friends can be had if you install seating encircling the island range and island range hood.

Space And Flexibility

Non-island range hoods are usually placed along the exterior walls of a kitchen. One drawback of this it is allows very little room for more than one person to cook together. Having to compete for available counter space makes it a lot tougher to prepare, organize and cook in a single area. Another great boon of having an island cooking range and island range hood is the ability to have a walk-around as opposed to a linear cooking area that is more capacious and welcoming to the concept of team cooking. Island range hood installation gives you the benefits of being able to stew, simmer, cook and fry foods with the added bonus of having a lot more room to move about in.

Installation Errors

A disadvantage of island range hood installation is the prospect contractors and installers may not install the range hood correctly. For example, ending a duct in an enclosed space, such as an attic, can lead to operational problems with the hood. The lack of back-pressure reduces the effectiveness of the hood, making it difficult to extract unwanted fumes and airborne grease residue. In addition, diverting warm moist air from the kitchen to the attic leads to mold growth.

Height Is Not Always Helpful

One drawback with the installation of an island range hood is the required height. Usually, the island range hood is installed an average of 28 inches above the stove top. When you attempt to increase visibility around the hood, the space may lack adequate ventilation. As air from cooking does not rise in a linear fashion it is vital to have the island range hood in close proximity to the stove top so fumes, smoke and steam can be evacuated in an efficient manner.

We all know kitchen range hoods that vent to the outside are fantastic at removing odors, moisture, heat and smoke from your home when you are in the kitchen. Range hood fans are measured by the cubic feet they move per minute, otherwise known as CFM. Therefore, it is vital to have a range hood that moves air sufficiently enough to be effective. Read on to learn more about the different ways you can work out the CFM for a range hood.

Determining Fan Size

The professsionals say the fan size of a range hood should be enough to move at least 100 CFM of air for every 12 inches (30 centimeters) of stove width. For a 30 inch wide stove, your range hood fan will need to move at least 250 CFM of air.

Kitchen Size

You also need to consider your kitchen size measured in cubic feet when you need to calculate the saizre of the fan you need. Obviously, a larger kitchen needs more venting to clear the air than a room that is smaller. To calculate cubic feet you multiply the length of the room by the width of the room by the height of the room.

A good range hoos will exchange the air in the kitchen at least 15 times per hour, working out at every four minutes, so the next equation would be to take the cubic feet of the room and divide it by 4 equalling the CFM of the range hood fan: Here is an example: 2,000 cubic foot room ÷ 4 minutes = 512 CFM range hood fan or higher.

Gas Stoves

Gas burners on a stove provide considerably more heat than electric stove burners, therefore a gas stove obviously needs a range hood vent fan with a larger capacity.

When calculating the fan size you will need if you have a gas stove, combine the BTU (British Thermal Units) ratings for all the burners on the stove andthen divide by a total of 100 and you will be able to work out the minimum CFM you will need. For example: The average gas burner gives off 10,000 BTU and there are four on stove, so, 40,000 ÷ 100 = 400 CFM.

Ductwork

The cap, turns, length, size and shape on the range hood ductwork adds resistance which reduces the amount of air the vent fan can move, requiring additional CFM for the fan, itself. If you are using a metal pipe with a diameter of 8 inches, add one CFM for every one foot of pope plus 25 CFM for each elbow and 40 CFM for a roof cap.

Final Calculation

To make the final calculation, take the larger of the CFM rating for stove width, room size, and stove burner. Add the additional CFMs needed for the ductwork to arrive at the minimum CFM range hood to buy.

A quality kitchen range hood can really enhance your enjoyment of cooking, and improve the air quality in your home and kitchen. Range hoods come in two kinds, ductless and ducted. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each kitchen range hood type.

Ducted Range Hoods Pro’s And Cons

• Pro: Ducted hoods are very common although there can be limitations on where they can be installed in a kitchen because the duct has to be able to remove air from the kitchen environment.
• Pro: Ducted hoods are often found in commercial kitchens and homes with larger ranges producing a great amount of fumes, smoke and unclean air that needs to be cented to the outside.
• Pro: Highly efficent at removing humidity and steam from the kitchen and as they are not recircualting or filtering air but are actually venting the air from the kitchen.
• Pro: They are often quieter and more efficent. Some argue this can be debatable as it is dependent on the brand, model, size and the maintenance of the range hood.
• Con: Space can be greatly limited where the cooking range and hood can be located so the duct system has to be positioned where one has already been installed to force air from the kitchen.

What Are Ductless Range Hoods?

Able to be installed in just about any location, ductless hoods do not need to vent to the exterior of the home and do not need to be installed where a duct is already located.

Ductless Range Hoods Pro’s And Cons

• Pro: A ductless range hood has greater versatility and instalaltion is simple in just about anywhere in your kitchen. Because these types of hoods filter and recirculate the air of your kitchen, it is not mandatory to install them near duct or pipe that reaches the outside.
• Pro: As well as the simplicity of installation, many ductless models have programmable timers that turn on or off automatically when they detect odors or smoke.
• Con: Ductless hoods recirculate air after filtering as opposed to pulling in fresh air or pushing out unclean air. So your kitchen may become fairly humid. They are also sometimes noisier than ducted models.
• Con:  Filters are required to be cleaned and replaced on a frequent basis so the performance of the ductless range hood is optimized. This may mean result in greater out of pocket expenses.

To Duct or Not To Duct, That is The Question

You have a choice of a ductless range hood or a traditional ducted range hood. Certainly ducted range hoods are in the long run more cost-effective and efficent in their performance but lack the adaptibility of ductless hoods. Commercial kitchens are far more likely to choose ducted range hoods but both options are reasonable propositions for residential kitchens.

Remodeling a kitchen often involves updating older appliances and a new kitchen range hood may be near the top of the list. Read on to learn more about the many materials, designs, styles and types. The style you choose may be dictated to some degree by the layout of your kitchen as well as cabinetry and other appliances. By reading this, you should have some idea of the kitchen range hood best suited for you.

Wall Mounted Range Hoods

A great space saver as the hood attaches to the wall! A choice of many modern kitchen designs instead of going the traditional route of utilizing the space for cabinets. If cabinets are already in place they may have to be moved so the range hood can fit. Sometimes, these hoods come with a chimney. This assists with ventilation and it is normal for them to vent through an exterior wall positioned behind them. Another feature is a wall mounted range hood can become an integral part of your kitchen design by giving an individualized look depending on the style of your hood you choose. It may cost slightly more because of this but it does add more than just stand alone function to your cooking.

Under Cabinet Range Hoods

A very popular choice because of its compact dimensions. It is mounted below the cabinets that are positioned directly over the top of your stove. The venting system for this style is simple and can go with almost any style of kitchen. The ventilation is provided by duct work for the hood that is positioned either behind the hood and then connected to an exterior wall or going up through the cabinet placed directly over the hood. This way you can save a small amount of wall space but it can take away from any ideas you had for storage in that particular cabinet.

Wall Ventilation Fans

A different option to a range hood prefered by some homeowners is the wall ventialtion fan. Fan systems are hugely helpful when ventilation is of poor quality but the downside is it may not work a swell when odors or fumes have to be removed from your kitchen efficently and quickly, especially when cooking with powerful ingredients.

Island Or Ceiling Mounted Range Hoods

When you have a range that is not located against any wall, for example, an island range, you require an island or ceiling mounted hood. If you have a larger professional style stove top, a ceiling mounted hood will be able to cope with the additional output from cooking burners and tools. One advantage of this style is it offers a unique look to your kitchen. Many modern designs use copper, ceramic or even glass, making it ideal for differently themed kitchens. Some contractors will install the hood a little higher than normal so sight-lines throughout the kitchen can be readily maintained. Because you may have a greater stove capacity, you will have to consider a larger capacity island range hood.

Ventilation Power Pack Hoods

If you want a true alternative consider a style known as the ventilator powr back. Although space age sounding it has the great benefit that it can be added to already installed cabinetry without taking up all the available storage space. The powerpack is compact aand continuous within the parts already installed in your kitchen. Once you have chosen a power pack, you can work with your contractor ro have it custom fitted into your kitchen layout.

Downdraft Ventilation Hoods

Not often seen, a downdraft ventilation hoods works as an exhaust product that is maintained within the cooking arena until it is time to get to work. Once you need the fan, it pops up along the back of the range making it ideal when space is an issue. It can also be used for stoves as part of a kitchen island set-up or against a wall. They suit the look of almost any home and are unobtrusive as well.

Final Thoughts

Deciding on an effective range hood is a crucial part of upgrading a kitchenas a system that keeps the atmosphere clean and fresh and free from lingering odors or smoke helps to keep a comfortable and healthy atmosphere in your entire home. It is astounding how this decision can make a big difference to the comfort of your living conditions at home as well as enhancing the functionality of your kitchen.